Education and awareness are key to taking action on Indigenous issues within our region and our union.
But too often, we find ourselves talking and thinking about specific crises or issues that affect Indigenous people—separate and unattached to local histories and cultures.
We often acknowledge Algonquin territory to start our events in the union.
But how much do we know about the Algonquins and their territory?
Come learn about the Algonquins of the Kitchissippi watershed with Kirby Whiteduck, a former Chief of the Pikwàkanagàn First Nation.
Kirby has spent his career working for and with Pikwàkanagàn and First Nations organizations in a variety of capacities. He has been involved in fish and wildlife management and land claims research, and has also served as a negotiator, native counsellor and manager of education at Pikwàkanagàn. He is the author of Algonquin Traditional Culture, published in 2002, a book that details the traditional culture of the Algonquins of the Kitchissippi Valley at the early period of European contact.
Come learn about the deep historical roots of the Algonquin people, how they lived and prospered on this land, and learn about current Algonquin communities across the Ottawa River Valley and the significance of this area for the Algonquins.
In addition to the keynote from Kirby, the event includes a presentation by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society on the Indigenous Atlas of Canada.
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, in partnership with national Indigenous organizations, created a groundbreaking four-volume atlas that shares the experiences, perspectives, and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. It’s an ambitious and unprecedented project inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Exploring themes of language, demographics, economy, environment, and culture, with in-depth coverage of treaties and residential schools, these are stories of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, told in detailed maps and rich narratives.
This event will take place at the beautiful Royal Canadian Geographical Society building with a view of where the Rideau River meets the Ottawa River. Coffee, Bannock and other refreshments will be provided.
There is also a virtual option to attend as well.
Event date: Saturday, April 6, 2024
Event time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 PM (10:30-3:00)
Event location: Royal Canadian Geographical Society, 50 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1M 2K1
Simultaneous translation will be available.
Program schedule:
10:30 a.m. Guests arrive for reception
10:50 a.m. Introduction of Elder – Traditional Elder Welcome
11:00 a.m. Introduction by Lester/Sonya of keynote speaker
11:10 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Kirby Whiteduck
12:30 p.m. Q&A
1:00 p.m. Coffee and Bannock break
1:30 p.m. Canadian Geographic: Indigenous Atlas
2:15 p.m. Q & A
2:45 p.m. Gift presentation to key speaker
2:50 p.m. Emcee, closing remarks.
3:00 p.m. Speaking program concludes.
Please note: the Canadian Geographic presentation of the Indigenous Atlas will include a discussion on the history and creation of the Atlas and what it’s about, and in-person participants will have the option to go explore a huge map in the lower level of the building. Virtual attendees will not be able to experience this part of the presentation.
Register
PSAC members are invited to register below if you wish to attend the full presentation in-person at the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. Simultaneous translation will be available. If you click to register and there is a waitlist, join the waitlist and in the event of cancellations we will let you know of openings.
PSAC members can attend virtually for the keynote presentation by Kirby Whiteduck and will be able to enjoy parts of the Canadian Geographic presentation of the Indigenous Atlas, but they will be unable to see the huge map in another location in the building.
Parking and access
Limited parking available in lot adjacent to RCGS building (next to French Embassy), as well as public parking in surrounding neighbourhood.
Persons with disabilities can go past the gate to be dropped off at the front door.
Organized by the PSAC National Capital Region Indigenous Action Circle, the National Indigenous Peoples’ Circle and the CEIU Human Rights Committee.
